First Look: Federal Premium 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper

by
posted on September 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fedl_prem_65_creedmoor_tc_f.jpg

Federal Premium's Trophy Copper line of ammunition has been a staple in the hunting industry since its introduction, so it came as no surprise when the company added a 6.5 Creedmoor offering to the stable earlier this year. Why wouldn't you add one of the industry's fastest-growing cartridges to your signature product line? Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s joining a well-regarded family of ammunition.
Federal’s Trophy Copper line is available in more than 20 additional ads, ranging from .243. Win. to .338 Win. Mag. It’s known for its copper, polymer-tipped bullet that retains 99 percent of its weight, penetrates deep and expands consistently.

2. It packs a punch.
The Trophy Copper 6.5 Creedmoor load features a 120-grain bullet, and should provide suitable power for medium and big game. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at 2875 f.p.s.

3. It has premium features.
Like its Trophy Copper brethren, the 6.5 Creedmoor load features copper construction that can provide up to 99 percent weight retention. It has a tipped bullet cavity that’s optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range, and a grooved bullet shank provides increased accuracy.

4. It can go long.
Though it's not meant to be Federal's new Edge TLR, the 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is more than capable of reaching out and touching game animals at extended ranges. The polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity and energy.

5. It works.
What better way to put a new cartridge to the test than to take it on a hunt? I put the new 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper to work on a recent New Mexico antelope hunt, and it didn't let me down. Though we weren't able to recover the bullet, it had little trouble dropping my pronghorn at 200 yards—devastating the vitals and breaking a shoulder on the exit, to boot. Hard to argue with that.

Latest

Ledemore Than A Billion
Ledemore Than A Billion

More than $1.2 Billion on the Way to Support Conservation and Access

 On Feb. 13 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced more than $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and outdoor opportunities.

A Question of Quarterbores

With the release of the .25 Weatherby RPM, it's worth taking a step back and looking at some of the best quarterbores that graced chambers and fields throughout history. How will this new release measure up to its forefathers?

New for 2026: Avian-X Shotgun Cases

Building off of decades of innovation in the waterfowl-hunting industry, Avian-X is entering the soft-goods space in 2026 with a purpose-built lineup of waterproof and floating shotgun cases and neoprene gun sleeves designed to deliver in harsh hunting conditions.

Story of a Lever Gun—The Red Plaid Project Part 2

Andi Bogard continues her quest to build, test and hunt with a classic lever gun in a classic way. Check out the second installment of the project here.

Coyote Gear Roundup

Looking for gear to up your Coyote game? We've curated a great list of the latest and greatest.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting

For 2026, Stoeger has added a new model to its M3000 semi-auto shotgun lineup with the M3000 Sporting.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.